Nick wants crowd to lay off Djokovic

NICK Kyrgios says Australian Open crowds would be silly to pay good money to jeer ninetime champion Novak Djokovic.

Fans have been warned that those who cross the line in their treatment of the returning star – who was deported on the eve of last year’s tournament amid a coronavirus vaccine drama – will be ejected from Melbourne Park.

Kyrgios said to target Djokovic would be “a bit contradictory”.

“From a supporting point of view, I know that people are always going to have the people they hate on court and the people they love,” he said.

“I’m one of those players that deals with it everywhere. I’ve got people screaming out inappropriate things and obviously fans that love the rollercoaster ride.

“I would just say (to them) that Novak’s here and he hasn’t made any rules. He’s abided by them for the last two years with whatever he’s been dealt his way.

“He’s here, and all he wants to do is put on a show. He’s chasing things that athletes are rarely able to chase.

“He’s one of the greatest athletes of all time – not just on the tennis court. He’s here to put on a show for Melbourne itself, so as long as the fans know that he’s not just doing it for himself – he’s going to come out here, even (on Friday) night.”

Kyrgios said that “we should be appreciating that”.

“I know there’s going to be fans that are not going to want him to win, but I think they can’t cross that line as fans,” he said.

“You guys are paying money to watch a guy play – it’s a bit contradictory if you’re going to go there and be a clown about it.”